My Five Shots - Matthew Vivian

In the latest edition of 'My Five Shots' we shine our spotlight on Matthew Vivian and a collection of photographs that highlight the eclectic brilliance of his eye for a shot! His fabulous five offer a glimpse into Matt's world, and how the artist frequently sees the things around us in ways us mere mortals can only dream of.

Here's Matt to tell us more...

Photography started as a simple hobby for me, a way to capture moments and experiment with creativity. Over time, it became much more than that—it grew into a passion that consumes more of my time and energy every day. The more time I invest in photography, the better my photos seem to become.

Exploring Diverse Photography Styles

One of the things I love most about photography is its versatility. I enjoy taking portraits, whether in the studio or outdoors, playing with ideas and light to create something unique. But my interests don’t stop there. I also love wandering around to capture landscapes, either with my camera in hand or using my drone. Each setting offers new challenges and opportunities to experiment with different techniques and perspectives.

The Digital Archive: A Photographer’s Dilemma

Like many photographers, I spend a lot of my time taking and thinking about photos, which often end up stored on huge drives full of edited images. These drives sit on my desk, holding countless amazing photographs that rarely see the light of day. It makes me wonder how many incredible photos are sitting in storage drives worldwide, unseen by anyone but their creators.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Beyond my personal projects, I take great pride in being the local photographer for my community. Working at Tempest, I do a lot of portrait photography, which I find incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I enjoy visiting local schools throughout the year, capturing moments and being recognised by the students. It’s a great to be known and appreciated for my work within the community.

Achieving the LRPS

In 2023, I earned my LRPS (Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society), a significant milestone in my photography journey. Here are five images from the panel of ten that were awarded this honour:

• Studio Concept: This image was the result of an idea I had been mulling over for a while. Creating it in the studio allowed me to bring my vision to life through careful planning and execution.
• Drone Photography: Captured with a drone, this photo demonstrates my willingness to embrace new technologies. A drone is essentially a flying camera, providing unique perspectives that are otherwise impossible to achieve.
• Late Night/Early Morning in London: This photo was taken during a late-night/early-morning walk around London. The quiet streets and unique light conditions offered a perfect setting for capturing the city’s essence.
• Local Classic: A quintessential local scene, this image represents the charm and character the area.
• Studio Experience: Having had a small studio for a while, I learned that the more time spent there, the better the photos become. Now, I feel confident setting up a studio anywhere, though the biggest challenge remains finding someone willing to spend time there while I experiment with new ideas.

Reflecting on the Journey

Photography has become an integral part of my life, shaping my experiences and creative expression. From the countless images stored on my drives to the community connections and the recognition of earning my LRPS, every aspect of this journey has been rewarding. I look forward to continuing to explore, create, and share my passion for photography with the world.